Drug Enforcement Administration

Buffalo man sentenced for his role in cocaine conspiracy which operated near a Buffalo school

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. and Special Agent in Charge James Hunt, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division announced today that Cleophus Dentmond, aka “Face,” 28, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, was sentenced to serve six months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who handled the case, stated that the defendant conspired with Stevie Alejandro who operated the Barberians Barber Shop at 1132 East Lovejoy Street, which is located directly across from Buffalo Public School #43, the Lovejoy Discovery School. Between May 2017 and Oct. 18, 2017, the defendant participated in the conspiracy with co-defendants Alejandro, Aaron Hill, Gilbert Guzman, Catherine Ramos, and others, to distribute cocaine in the Lovejoy District.

During the conspiracy, Alejandro conducted negotiations with an undercover law enforcement officer regarding the sale, cost, amount, and delivery of cocaine. Then, Dentmond, or one of his co-conspirators, would conduct the drug transaction with the undercover officer. All proceeds went back to Alejandro. A total of 14 cocaine sales took place with the undercover officer.

Defendants Dentmond, Alejandro, Hill, and Guzman have all been convicted. Charges are pending against Catherine Ramos. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the DEA Buffalo Resident Office; the Buffalo Police Department; the Cheektowaga Police Department; and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.